Melbourne Expo offers something for everyone: media release

Written on the 7 August 2015

Many people dream of owning their own business maybe a café, or a shop, or a lawn mowing service. But there are a multitude of business concepts they may never have even heard of unless they attend the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, to be held 21-23 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

"Many people don't realise the skills they already have in the corporate world or as homemakers are also suited to a small business model," says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey.

"For example there a number of accounting, book keeping, IT and mortgage broking franchises, just perfect for people who want to escape the daily grind in an office tower. There are also excellent opportunities with home services and maintenance businesses that can turn everyday chores into a profitable lifestyle."

Stacey adds for people who want to try something completely new, there are exciting concepts such as limousines shaped as Cinderella's carriage; a G-Force simulator car for special events; jewellery that offers health benefits; a drug detection service; or an online travel guide.

"I think people will be blown away by what's on offer, the sheer diversity of traditional and non-traditional business ideas that can really turn dreams into a reality," she says.

A feature event of Victoria's Small Business Festival, the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will give visitors plenty of ideas for starting their own business, or expanding an existing one. There will be seminars full of practical advice and information, plus organisations such as The Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) on hand to assist budding as well as established entrepreneurs.

Most importantly, the Expo is a showcase for 100 successful Australian and international companies such as Pack & Send, Lenard's, Step Into Life, V.I.P. Home Services, Mail Boxes Etc, PostNet Australia, Aussie Home Loans, Fastway Couriers and Jim's Test & Tag all eager to share their success with potential investors and franchisees.

In addition, multi-food Franchisor, Retail Food Group (RFG), will have expert sales executives at its stand, with information about key brands Donut King, Michel's Patisserie, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Pizza Capers, Brumby's Bakery and the recently-acquired Café2U, while dishing out some tasty treats to sweeten the deal for expo attendees.

According to RFG, since Café2U was acquired in late 2014, the brand has improved operating procedures and running costs, and offers the prospect of increased profit through benefits of scale for items like disposable cups and coffee.

"With RFG behind the brand, Victoria is the key market in our plans for 2015," says John Stanton, General Manager of Cafe2U. "The franchise has proven to be extremely successful in other areas of Australia, as well as internationally. We believe our new offering will appeal to Victorians like never before."

Stanton adds that although there are very limited opportunities in other states, Cafe2U has identified more than 20 available territories in the Melbourne area. All have been scientifically mapped to ensure they meet the requirements of a Cafe2U territory, taking away the guesswork for potential franchisees.

"People reduce their risk by starting into a business model that is tried and tested," explains Stanton. "It's about choosing the right business for the individual. People need to look at the support system in place, ask lots of questions, do lots of research and think about the longevity of the brand."

Attending some of the free seminar presentations at the Expo can be an integral part of that research. At the Melbourne show, visitors will have the opportunity to hear from a wide range of industry experts, including Suzanne Jarzabkowska from DC Strategy, Pack & Send's Mike Smart, Grant Garraway from The Franchise Shop, Darryn McAuliffe from FRANdata, Victorian Small Business Commissioner Geoff Browne, and Brian Keen from How to Franchise Simply.

In addition the FCA will present panel sessions featuring successful franchisees discussing their franchise journeys, and there will be daily sessions 'Is Franchising Right for You?' about the nuts and bolts of investing in a franchise.

"This year in Melbourne we have more exhibitors covering a wider range of businesses than ever before," says Fiona Stacey. "Plus there is more industry knowledge on tap than you'll find anywhere in one place if you've ever had a question about starting or growing a business, you'll find the answers here."

The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is on Friday 21 August Sunday 23 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 10am-5pm.